Is a manned conventional rocket trip to mars even practical? I mean
long transit time far from earth, lots of time for something to go
wrong Food essentials HEAVY ands space consuming making things even
worse

Whats the round trip time to mrs by conventional propulsion?

Kinda sad to travel a year or more for a one week stay flag and
footprints

What about that NOVA nuclear rocket? Travel time for that?

Common sense would indiocate nuclear would be better and useful for
other trips too....